Do you ever feel like life is leaving you empty and unfulfilled? You try to check all the boxes for success – nice job, possessions, relationships – but something’s still missing. What if God knows something about finding a blessed and fulfilling life that we’re missing? What can be challenging is sometimes Jesus’ instructions can feel backwards to us. Jesus said the poor, grieving, and humble are blessed, but living that way doesn’t sound like it leads to a better place. So what is Jesus talking about? In this video, we’ll be unpacking these counter cultural values that are supposed to lead to blessing and favor and see how Jesus intended them to bring us a life of meaning and purpose.
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MESSAGE NOTES
In this series, we’re looking at this “Upside Down” kingdom that Jesus is calling us to, trusting that God knows what’s best for us. He’ll say things that are uncomfortable and may even challenge the things we value and experiences we pursue. BUT, if you’re willing to trust him enough to live for His Kingdom, you may find something far more fulfilling than what you’re chasing right now…
[Matthew 4:23-25]
“Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness. News about him spread as far as Syria, and people soon began bringing to him all who were sick. And whatever their sickness or disease, or if they were demon possessed or epileptic or paralyzed—he healed them all. Large crowds followed him wherever he went—people from Galilee, the Ten Towns, Jerusalem, from all over Judea, and from east of the Jordan River.”
Contrast the Kingdom of God with the Kingdom of Man
Torah – you get good things in life because you earned it
Rome – you get good things in life because you took it
Kingdom – you get good things in life because God gives it
[Matthew 5:1-5]
“One day as he saw the crowds gathering, Jesus went up on the mountainside and sat down. His disciples gathered around him, and he began to teach them. “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted. God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.”
GOD FAVORS THE POOR
[Psalm 40:17]
“As for me, since I am poor and needy, let the Lord keep me in his thoughts. You are my helper and my savior. O my God, do not delay.”
GOD FAVORS THOSE WHO MOURN
[Psalm 51:16-17]
“You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not want a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit. You will not reject a broken and repentant heart, O God.”
GOD BLESSES THOSE WHO ARE HUMBLE
[Matthew 23:11-12]
“The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”
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Application Questions
- What stood out to you from this message and why?
- What is one thing God is telling you to START doing because of this message?
- What is one thing God is telling you to STOP doing because of this message?
- How will this message change how you act at home, at work, and in your relationships?